The CDC, in consultation with the American Academy of Pediatrics, has developed interim guidelinesfor the evaluation, testing, and management of infants born to mothers who traveled to or resided in an area with Zika virus transmission during pregnancy. The document provides guidance to healthcare providers caring for 1) infants with microcephaly or intracranial calcifications detected prenatally or at birth or 2) infants without these findings whose risk is based on maternal exposure and testing for Zika virus infection.

Pediatric healthcare providers should ask mothers of newborns with microcephaly or intracranial calcifications about their residence and travel while pregnant and about any symptoms of illness compatible with Zika virus disease (acute onset of fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes). Healthcare professionals should also obtain the results of any Zika virus testing performed before the mother gave birth.

The Interim guidelines recommend that doctors and their teams consider possible clinical issues when caring for infants who might have been infected with Zika virus infection. For example, cranial ultrasound is recommended for all infants with possible Zika virus infection unless prenatal ultrasound results in the third trimester demonstrated no brain abnormalities. Also recommended for all infants with possible Zika virus infection, regardless of symptoms, are repeat hearing screening and developmental monitoring.

Treatment of Zika virus infection in babies is supportive and should address the infant’s specific needs. Investigations are ongoing to better understand what services will be most appropriate for affected children as they grow.

These interim guidelines will be updated as more information becomes available.

World Health Organization/Pan-American Health Organization (WHO/PAHO), Center for Disease Control (CDC), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) y el Department de Salud de Puerto Rico.

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